The Panama Canal Authority announces Modification to the Transit Reservation (Booking) System
Panama City – The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces the following changes to the procedures regarding the slot’s allocation for Supers (vessels 91 ft. in beam or over) in the Panamax Locks, effective September 1, 2022, and until further notice:
1. Slots for Supers that were already awarded but become available within 96 hours from the booking date due to cancellations, changes in date, early transit of booked vessels, or other reasons, will be offered during the 3rd Booking Period through an extraordinary auction process. This auction will be offered after the closing of the 3rd Period competition. The base or initial amount of the auction will be $55,000.
2. One additional slot for Supers will be offered through auction, once all the normal booking slots have been allocated. This slot will be offered after the first auction has been awarded. The base or initial amount will be $55,000.
3. Before the closing of the 3rd Booking Period, if all slots in one direction have been allocated but there are still booking slots available in the opposite direction, one slot may be offered to interested vessels through a special auction process, even if the assignment of these slots exceeds the established limits by direction or restriction. The base or initial amount for this auction will be $55,000.
The required criteria or condition, such as transit direction and/or restrictions, will be announced when each auction is published. Therefore, every vessel bidding for an auctioned slot shall meet the published requirements.
The ACP will notify vessel agents with auction projection list and/or when an auction has been published, generally with one day advance.
The auctioned slots will become available to any interested vessel on a first-come, first-served basis once the auction is closed without bidders.
Norton Lilly International (Panama) S.A.
Bldg. 3825 – Office 204
Howard – Panama-Pacifico
Panama, Rep. of Panama
Tel: (507) 304-4600
Main email: operations@nortonlilly.com.pa (24 hours)
